How to Select a Bakery Direct Store Delivery Solution

Bakery distributors face unique challenges regarding direct store delivery (DSD) management. 

Outdated systems can cause inefficiencies that cost drivers valuable time in the field. In today’s fast-paced business world, companies that proactively address changes in customer needs are 2.8 times more successful than their competition. Companies that are open to technology adoption and upgrades are more likely to see notable revenue growth. Moreover, 86% of small business owners surveyed said that technology adoption helped their businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, selecting the right  DSD solution is essential to getting the maximum benefits from it. Here’s what you need to know when evaluating a new software option.

Bakery Delivery Challenges

Any solution you choose for  your business needs to address your pain points. One of the biggest challenges for bakery delivery is invoicing errors and transaction-level communications. With a robust Software as a Service (SaaS) option, drivers can immediately generate invoices and check them against deliveries onsite and transaction-level.

Furthermore, SaaS models provide benefits through cloud architecture that allows drivers to be connected at all times. Therefore, invoicing details and delivery information is relayed seamlessly to all members of your organization that have to track and analyze that information. 

Another common challenge for bakery distributors is stale percentage and empty customer shelves due to shrinkage. With the advanced tracking features built into MobileConductor Express, business owners and managers can more accurately track stale percentages and stock trucks for sales during delivery stops. 

Direct Store Delivery Features You Need

To avoid these issues, bakery distributors need a DSD solution that can consistently provide accurate invoices from a cloud-based SaaS model. Automated, polished invoice generation is essential. Drivers should be able to create invoices easily, and provide DEX transactions as needed, with real-time information, available immediately to customers as a professional PDF complete with your branding and logos. 

Complete back-office automation via accounting APIs such as QuickBooks and other enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and other solutions. This can streamline invoicing directly to the client, improving cash flow. Additionally, your DSD solution must give your drivers an efficient way to track credits and returns. A solution designed with bakery goods in mind will make it easier for you to track these goods and minimize shrinkage. 

Another industry-standard feature that a DSD platform must include is Direct Exchange (DEX) delivery tracking. Many retailers require DEX invoices for their approval and accounts payable processes. DEX enables distributors to meet the needs of an extensive network of retailers with competitive services. 

MobileConductor Express Is Your Full-Service Solution 

Look for a full-service direct store delivery solution that will reduce DSD shrinkage, streamline operations, and bring fast ROI. A DSD solution for small-business should also be paired with accessible support, only one call or email away from the help you need. Your provider should be able to roll out devices and software easily to keep downtime to a minimum. 

MobileConductor Express, formerly known as Boston Technologies, was among one the first companies to provide DSD software created by a DSD professional. Mobile Conductor Express addresses the needs of  small  and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), and we have continually updated it to meet new challenges and enhance performance over the last 40 years. Ditch outdated software solutions and give your bakery the direct store delivery system you deserve. Contact us today for more information.